Civil War Defenses of Washington

Civil War Defenses of Washington Welcome to the official page for the Civil War Defenses of Washington. one of the most heavily fortified locations in the world.

The Civil War Defenses of Washington is a complex system of earthwork fortifications constructed by Union forces during the Civil War. Originally comprised of 68 earthwork forts, 20 miles of rifle pits, 32 miles of military roads, and 93 detached batteries, these fortifications made Washington, D.C. Today, the National Park Service manages 19 of these sites.

📍 Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! 📍 In our brand-new volunteer position, you can...
06/16/2026

📍 Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! 📍

In our brand-new volunteer position, you can choose a portion of the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail to care for and maintain. 👀📝⛏️

The trail winds 6.5 miles through several Civil War-era forts in six sections from which to choose. Trail Ambassadors visit their selected segment at least once a month to check on and improve its conditions. 🥾🚶‍

Pick amongst these trail stretches:

1. Fort Place SE to Marion Barry Avenue SE (~0.6 mile one-way)
2. Marion Barry Avenue SE to Park Drive SE (~1.1 mile one-way)
*Please note: the linked map displays “Good Hope Rd SE”, the former name of Marion Barry Avenue*
3. Branch Avenue SE to Massachusetts Avenue SE (~1 mile one-way)
4. Massachusetts Avenue SE to Ridge Road SE (~1.5 miles one-way)
5. Ridge Road SE to Benning Road NE (~1.1 mile one-way)
6. Benning Road NE/Fort Mahan Park circular trail to Grant Street NE (~1 mile one-way)

See each section’s start, end, and general route with this handy map:
🗺️https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=8be3e5bf-585c-4c66-9c00-05b76b17a278

Craving some wanderlust on this sprawling, historical pathway? Apply today to become a Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador ▶️ https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

NPS photo

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️ Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington T...
06/10/2026

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️

Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail—and choose the section you want to work on!

This 6.5‑mile trail connects five Civil War–era forts across southeast/northeast Washington, DC, offering a mix of scenery, history, and outdoor exploration.

As a Trail Ambassador, you’ll select, monitor, and maintain your own trail section. Tasks include trimming overgrown vegetation, removing litter, noting trail conditions, and helping visitors.

Which fort calls to you?

- Fort Stanton, with its original masonry bastions?

- Fort Davis, lined with splendid, towering trees?

- Fort Dupont, home to summer concerts and rolling hills?

- Fort Chaplin, a peaceful green pocket in a busy cityscape?

- Fort Mahan, full of hidden-gem walking paths?

Whichever you choose, you’ll play an important role in conserving the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail for everyone who enjoys it. Show your fort-itude and apply today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

Photo: NPS / Conall Rubin-Thomas

Applications are open to become a Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador! In this position, you’ll help conse...
06/01/2026

Applications are open to become a Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador! In this position, you’ll help conserve the historic pathway by joining a group of volunteers to care for an specific section of the trail.

Trail Ambassadors visit their selected trail portions at least once a month to trim vegetation, record data, note issues, clean up litter, and assist visitors! 🌿🗒️🚮ℹ️

Ready to join? Visit here to learn more and apply ➡️ https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

Photo: NPS / Emily Alff

National Capital Parks - East is excited to announce a brand-new Trail Ambassador volunteer position! This role involves...
05/26/2026

National Capital Parks - East is excited to announce a brand-new Trail Ambassador volunteer position! This role involves monitoring and maintaining sections of the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail in southeast/northeast Washington, DC.

The trail winds 6.5 miles from Fort Mahan Park to Fort Stanton Park through other Civil War-era forts and can be traversed in either direction. As a Trail Ambassador, you’ll select a portion of the pathway to regularly walk, report on, and conserve, proving indispensable in:

--Informing Park Service staff of trail conditions 🌱
--Actively working to improve trail quality ⛏️
--Assisting visitors and answering questions 🙋
--Removing litter & invasive species 🗑️🥀

Eager for some adventuring? Learn more about being a Trail Ambassador and apply to join 👉 https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

With your help, the trail shall prevail!

Photo: NPS / Conall Rubin-Thomas

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who lost their lives while serving in the US military. Each May, many...
05/22/2026

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who lost their lives while serving in the US military. Each May, many national cemeteries commemorate Memorial Day with ceremonies, speakers, and music.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, May 23, from 11 am to 12 pm, for a special Memorial Day event at Battleground National Cemetery. For more information, visit go.nps.gov/ROCRcalendar.

NPS Photo

Are you more of a leader or a team player? This is your chance to be part of the action! Join us at 12:30 pm on May 9 ou...
05/08/2026

Are you more of a leader or a team player? This is your chance to be part of the action!

Join us at 12:30 pm on May 9 outside of Rock Creek Park Nature Center or May 23 at Fort Stevens to step into Civil War camp life and try real soldier drills led by a ranger. You’ll practice marching, moving as a team, and learning how soldiers trained to work together.

NPS Photo / Jordan Land

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Washington D.C., DC
20011

Telephone

+12028292163

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